Gerrymandering refers to the practice of manipulating the boundaries of an electoral district (typically a voting constituency or legislative district) in order to benefit a particular political party or group. This is done by altering the geographical shape of the district to disproportionately favor one party's voters and ensure their political dominance, often resulting in unfair and unrepresentative election outcomes. The name "gerrymandering" originated from a combination of the name of a former Governor of Massachusetts, Elbridge Gerry, and the term "salamander," as the redrawn district resembled the shape of a salamander.
Gerrymandering is the process of manipulating the boundaries of electoral districts in order to favor a particular political party or group. It involves drawing the district lines in a way that strategically benefits one party by concentrating their voter base or diluting the opposition's voter base. This practice aims to gain an advantage in elections and secure political power. The term "gerrymandering" originated from the name of Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry, who in 1812 approved a distorted district that resembled a salamander, leading to its association with this political tactic.
